Serbian election period political tensions

Tensions have risen in Serbia involving National Assembly President Ana Brnabić during the election period. Initially, the Bureau for Social Research (BIRODI) accused Brnabić of undermining election monitoring organizations, claiming her attacks on domestic observers contradicted international recommendations.

As the election period progressed, political friction shifted toward public debates. In a televised debate on N1, Brnabić, representing the ‘Aleksandar Vučić – United Serbia’ list, clashed with Mirjana Nikolić, rector of the University of Arts in Belgrade representing the ‘Student List’. The debate, intended to focus on education, became a confrontation over government achievements and academic responsibility. Brnabić defended the ruling party’s education policies, noting that teacher pay is projected to reach 1,030 euros by late 2026. Nikolić countered by questioning the real purchasing power of these raises in light of inflation and criticized the government’s handling of university blockades.

The debate also addressed the situation at the Jovan Jovanović Zmaj Gymnasium in Novi Sad. While Brnabić defended the school’s director, Radivoje Stojković, citing his long tenure, Nikolić, parents, and former professors criticized the administration. Critics and parents have raised concerns regarding the dismissal of over 60 teachers and staff members, alleging mismanagement and illegal actions, such as preventing dismissed staff from accessing unemployment benefits and failing to reinstate teachers following court orders. Political analysts have suggested this debate may serve as a turning point in the campaign, noting that Brnabić’s data-driven approach could impact the standing of the opposition Student List.